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Happy 2009!

2009-01-03T11:19:00.005-05:00

Is it too early to think about spring? I think not! There are so many things about spring that I love to celebrate in my work. The flowers, most of all... but also the birds and the sun... it's not to soon to think about these things when I am creating new work.

There are so many new opportunities for this year that I hardly know where to start. I am excited to be a guest artist at the Loveland Studios on Main for the next few "Second Saturdays." It's a fun evening out like Pendleton, but in beautiful historic Loveland. I will begin this relationship on February 14 from 6-10PM. Jamie Morath is my hostess. Come enjoy Valentine's Day with some "Hearts and Flowers" from my collection.

A one person show of my teacups/coffee cups opens in March at the Heaven's Roast Coffee in the Loveland area. The opening is March 21st- a Saturday afternoon. It is a beautiful space that hosts artists for one month shows and, of course, has the best coffee and tea in the area. The last show that I saw there was a beautiful collection by Maureen Holub.

April will be a huge month for me...first, the opening of a two person show at the Pop Revolution Gallery on 42 in Mason. It is a beautiful space next door to Gallery 42. The main street in Mason is fast becoming the in place for the arts in the northern Cincinnati area. My show will focus on Pop Portraits as well as some mixed media work. It promises to be a bold and colorful show with a lively opening. (their last opening counted near 1,000 people!) That date is yet to be determined... I will get back to you on that. Also in April is the annual fundraiser/silent auction of art celebrating nature at the Cincinnati Nature Center. Again, I don't have the exact date but will have it soon. I have again been invited to contribute and plan to submit three pieces. Last year this event was a great success and this year promises to be equally successful. Great art and a worthy cause!

There are some other opportunities in the works that I will fill you in on when they happen. I hope to be involved with the Cincinnati Flower Show this year and am exploring several other options. As always, I look forward to seeing you at any/all of these events. I will be absent from the Final Friday at Pendleton this month due to this week's foot surgery... but my work will be there! My three buddies in Studio #414 will be there and will be happy to greet you should you visit.
Happy 2009!

After Christmas Sale at #414 Pendleton Art Center

2008-12-24T10:16:00.005-05:00

Come to the Pendleton Final Friday and Second Look Saturday this weekend! We are having a sale of works priced for all budgets. It's time to make room for new work coming in the spring. Everything on my sale wall is only $50. We look forward to sharing a Christmas cookie and glass of wine with you. It's 6-10 on Friday and 11-3 on Saturday. Valet parking on Friday night.

Openings Friday at Redtree & Sandra Small Galleries

2008-12-10T07:59:00.006-05:00

It's the holiday season and lots of shopping to do. Why not SHOP LOCAL and get a gift or two from one of the local art galleries. Reasonably priced works of art, mostly by local artists, can be found at Redtree, Indigenous and Sandra Small... and of course, Pendleton Art Center. This Friday marks the opening of new shows at both Redtree and Sandra Small. Redtree's show is called "Mixed Up" and is a collection of mixed media works. My small piece called "Snowyday Roses" (pictured above) is front and center in this new show that actually went up yesterday. (they sold a piece already) The show will remain until Jan. 2nd. The Sandra Small show, curated by Daniel Brown, is an eclectic mix of jewelry, paintings, painted pillows, minature rooms and sculpture. The "Holiday Boutique" includes three of my pieces, "Girl Party" pictured above, and also "Teapot" and "Dining Room Table". The show will be in place until January 3. Indigenous can always be counted on for fun and reasonably fine art/craft gift items. I was in there a couple days ago and found some awesome Leandra Drumm ornaments for only $20 and they are stunning! There is so much to see that your head spins but it is worth the visual overload in there. And, Diane and Co. are ready and willing to be so helpful in assisting you and wrapping your gift. The wine walk this month in O'Bryonville is Thursday night, the 18th, and all of the merchants will have doors wide open with great gift ideas and plenty of good cheer.

Pendleton Final Friday falls on the day after Christmas this year. That is good for buyers who want bargains. Our studio will have lots of sale items marked down to make room for new work. I have some new works that are nature-inspired and ready to hang but need some space. Many of my fall pieces are marked down to as low at $25-$75. Stop by for Final Friday or Second Look Saturday...I would love to see you. This is my final show for a little while... foot surgery on Dec. 29 will keep me down for a while. Lots of time to work on new pieces... hope to make it to January Final Friday. If I don't, my buddies at PAC #414 will happily sell my work! If you want some of my work but can't make it to PAC for Final Friday or Saturday, check out my website/Paintings, and if it's still available, contact me to buy directly... I can deliver by Christmas.

Enough of the hard sell. I wish you, my friends, a wonderful holiday season and blessed 2009.

Black Friday at the Pendleton Art Center tonight!

2008-11-28T09:05:00.002-05:00

It will be a big night at the Pendleton Art Center tonight. The biggest shopping day of the year is here. Come down to Pendleton to find the perfect gifts for those on your list. We will be open from 6-10 tonight and from 11-3 tomorrow. We have ornaments, cards, jewelry and lots of wonderful paintings. Things are priced for every budget. Most artists will be in attendance tonight and, of course, there will be valet parking to make it easy to get in and get out! Support our local artists.

It's going to be especially fun for me tonight because Mickey will be in the house! She is in town from Minneapolis for one night only. Can't wait to see her reaction to the greatest assortment of artists under one roof. (and her portrait in the hall) Too bad she doesn't live close enough to be a permanent fixture there. No doubt, she will grade my jewelry. I hope to pass her high standards.

It has been a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. We feel truly blessed. This year has given us a bounty to be thankful for. The new year promises to hold much more for our family.

We hope to see you at the Pendleton tonight or tomorrow. If not, the next show of my work is at the Sandra Small Gallery in Covington where I will participate in the Holiday Show on December 12th. The next Final Friday weekend is December 26th and 27th.

a new gallery for my work in Springboro, OH

2008-11-19T12:26:00.004-05:00

Alley Fine Art and Custom Framing in Springboro, Ohio will now show my pop portraits! Maria is now residing in the window and the "family portrait" is also there. Sammy is on display nearby in the local dog grooming business. Proprietors Mike and Donna have a wonderful gallery with an eclectic mix of contemporary paintings and sculptural works. Most are the work of local artists. There are a few pieces from ADC and lots of work by Dayton artists. If you are in the area, stop by and check it out. It's on Rt. 73 just east of I-75.

A blue ribbon at the Woman's Art Club fundraiser Saturday night

2008-11-16T08:21:00.003-05:00

Okay, you can go home again! Last night was the FunRazer at the barn in Mariemont, home of the Woman's Art Club. I was invited to participate in this event due to my long relationship with Mariemont High School. (25 years is long, right?) Imagine my surprise when I walked in and found a blue ribbon on my latest piece, The Finish Line. I didn't realize it would be judged. Wow. The event raised lots of dollars for the barn renovation with the abundance of gift baskets and silent auction items. Some of the art sold... not sure how much. My pieces did not sell, but I was actually happy to bring them home. I am not ready to part with them yet. Strange, but, true. You will be able to see Finish Line at Pendleton Thanksgiving weekend. Thanks to the Mariemont community and the "ladies of the club" for making me feel so welcome.

Viewpoint 2008

2008-11-09T14:54:00.002-05:00

What a great night at the Viewpoint opening! Not only was I honored to be included in such a prestigious show, but my family was able to view the show! My 91-year old mother was escorted to Cincinnati by my brother and sister-in-law from Evergreen, Colorado. Also, my son, Dan and his glamorous bride, Gretchen, was in the house! We all mingled for a drink and bite to eat to wait for the awards. It was great so see so many local people win awards. Congrats Bruce Neville! Lots of Pendleton artists were represented. After the awards, the entire family went to dine at The Celestial! We were treated like royalty and had a wonderful dinner. After we bid farewell to everyone... Mark and I went to the bar at the Celestial and listened to the musical stylings of the lounge singer and enjoyed the spectacular view. What a wonderful night it was!

Another big week!

2008-11-02T16:00:00.002-05:00

It was another great Final Friday weekend at the Pendleton this weekend. It was also the first time our studio was open on Second Look Saturday and there were more people than expected. I finally have most of my "lace tablecloth and teacup" pieces all together in one place. I have to admit that I am still pleased with them. The latest one, "Sweet Caroline" was purchased less than 24 hours after it was completed! I have big plans to continue this series. More chandeliers and wallpaper... more lace and teacups.

The next couple of weeks are going to be busy. Friday night is the opening of Viewpoints 2008 at the Cincinnati Art Club. I am especially excited for this show because my family will be there, complete with my 91-year old mother and brother from Colorado. We plan to celebrate a great family night with dinner at the Celestial! Yum....

The weekend of the 14th also promises to be a great one. The 14th is the Leslie Birkhead opening at Sandra Small and the Indian Hill art show featuring "goodNancy" Neville. Then, Saturday night is the FunRazer... fall fundraiser at the Cincinnati Woman's Art Club at the barn in Mariemont. I hope to see some old friends in Mariemont... looking forward to that. My new piece "The Finish Line" will be in that show. (named so because of the race to the finish that most women feel when they enter the month of November and the holiday season... how will we get everything finished?)

Thanksgiving weekend at the PAC will be big... then the holiday show at Sandra Small...wow. Hope to see you there!
I am grateful for so many wonderful opportunities!

Big weekend at Pendleton Art Center

2008-10-27T18:32:00.005-04:00

It's going to be a shopper's delight this Friday night at the Pendleton Art Center! Allison and I are offering some blasts from the past with jewelry, ornaments, and stained glass purses along with our other works of art for holiday shoppers this month and through December. I also finally have my entire collection of "lace tablecloth and teacups" paintings together in our space in #414. Some have been shown in other places and 3 pieces are new. We look forward to seeing old friends and new this month. I will hold down the fort on Saturday from 11-2 for those of you who can't resist the urge to hand out candy Friday night.

Next weekend, Viewpoints 2008 is opening at the Cincinnati Art Club in Eden Park. My piece, "Get Out!" is included in this year's show. Also showing are Bruce Neville, Trish Weeks, Kay Hurley... and many others from around the country. It promises to be a great show.

November the 15th is the Women's Art Club fundraiser at the barn in Mariemont. I was contacted today with an invitation to show in this event. A portion of the proceeds will raise funds for the barn renovation. More details will follow as I have them.

December the 12th is the opening for the holiday show at the Sandra Small Gallery in Covington, KY. Again, I don't have all the details yet to know how many pieces will be included... but it will be a selection of different sized pieces of the lace tablecloths and teacups series.

Also, it is the last week to see the Art at the X at Xavier University art gallery next week. Try to check it out- it's a wonderful show!

This assortment of shows and openings is certainly exciting for me, and, I hope you will be able to attend one or more! Happy holiday season!

For those of you who missed the Xavier show...

2008-10-06T17:08:00.005-04:00

The small mixed media painting over the larger one, is mine. The two larger paintings are absolutely stunning... can't remember the artist's name. He is from Pennsylvania and his work is so amazing in person. I was thrilled to have my piece near his work. My piece is a tribute to my grandmother. She collected teacups and lace. I need to work larger...

Anyway, here is a small glimpse of the show. It is up until November 7. There will be a panel discussion about art and the show at XU Cohen Center Gallery on October 15th at 1:30 led by Dr. Eric Lee of the Taft.

More news- I am now represented by the Sandra Small Gallery in Covington, KY.! My work will be featured in a Holiday Show that opens on December 10. More news about that show when I have it. The curator for Sandra is Daniel Brown, so you know there will be great work to see there.
Speaking of Daniel, he also recently put together a show for the Cincinnati Women's Club. There will be an opening luncheon next Friday. Others in the show: Trish Weeks, Suzanne Chouteau,Rob Anderson, Leslie Birckhead, Eric Greiner, John Kluesener, Kevin Muente, Nancy Neville, Tim Parsley, Emil Robinson, Barbara Selnick, Valerie Shesko.

See you at the Pendleton #414. Next FINAL FRIDAY IS HALLOWEEN- OCTOBER 31ST. All treats, no tricks! We will be open for Second Look Saturday this month too!

Cincinnati Art Club Viewpoints 2008

2008-10-06T16:39:00.003-04:00

The 40th annual juried art competition for the Cincinnati Art Club has just announced the artists included-and I'm IN! Over 400 entries from 24 states were reviewed by Dr. Julie Aronson, Curator of American Painting at the Cincinnati Art Museum. She chose 68 pieces. The opening reception is Friday, November 7 from 6-9. The reception is open to the public. The show will continue on Saturdays and Sundays from 2-5 until November 23rd.

My painting in the show is a mixed media piece I created on a snowy day last winter. The theme was in response to the challenge for a contest sponsored by the Rising Sun Pendleton. The question we were to answer was, "Where do you go for your GREAT ESCAPE?" My response was simple- "I GET OUT!" The images in this piece are the sun, the river, the garden, my river valley. That's where I go to escape-out of my front door. The beauty of where I live is my constant motivation.

Come join us at the opening! It promises to be a wonderful show.

Pendleton Final Friday and Bricks along the journey

2008-09-25T08:04:00.003-04:00

October 26th is the 7th annual Brick Auction at the Sharonville Convention Center. It takes place from 2-5 PM. There will be hundreds of bricks to be auctioned that day to raise money for breast cancer research. You know it is a great cause and you know you don't need to watch Bengal football that day, so plan to attend and buy some local art in the silent auction and help a worthy cause too!

Mark and I collaborated again this year for our entry. My inspiration this year is consistent with the work I have been doing for various shows and Pendleton. I have been using my grandmother's lace tablecloths and teacups to create still life mixed media pieces. They are all about celebrating life by taking the time to include small touches of beauty into the everyday routine. The repeat patterns of the lace and the colors of the flowers from my garden inspire me. Mark and the guys made the small gold frame that finishes the brick for this year's entry. Thanks to Mark, Chris and Willie for helping give my brick polish!

Also, don't forget, PENDLETON FINAL FRIDAY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION is tomorrow night. I will be a little late as I also have the opening for ART AT THE X in the Xavier University Art Gallery at 6. Plan to attend both events, or, just stop by Pendleton from 6-10. It promises to be a big month. All the artists will be back after summer vacations and there will be lots of great art to see and purchase. Don't forget, there is valet parking. Our studio won't be open for Second Look Saturday, but will be next month. The XU show was curated by Dr. Lee, curator of the Taft Museum and is a nationally juried event. This show will be up for three weeks.

More to follow about some exciting new professional relationships!

Mason Arts Festival Juried Exhibit

2008-09-04T07:27:00.005-04:00

So, last year I decided I would not participate in outdoor shows any more... the heat was too much for us. (and the blazing sun melting my work) I have been researching all kinds of options to show my work and stay inside. This is a really good one. It is all the fun and excitement without having to be in the heat unless you want to! The Mason Arts Festival is an outdoor event on September the 21st from 11-5. AND, the Municipal Center on Mason-Montgomery Road is home to the CITY GALLERY. The jury process is concluded and two of my mixed media pieces have been accepted. So, if you are in the mood for an outdoor art show that day, and also want to have an option to escape the heat... come to this show.

It is also the day of the Montgomery Art Show so you can make a day of it! Allison is in the Montgomery Art show so stop by to see her stunning work!

Encore! Design and Event Planning

2008-09-01T15:42:00.002-04:00

Be sure to come to the Covington Gallery Hop this Friday, September 5th from 6-10 PM. Karen Rentz is hosting a solo show of my work entitled "Stills & Small Voices" in her Encore! Design and Event Planning address:
2 W. Pike Street on the second floor.
Stop by to see some favorites and also some new work.
More to come this month:
September 27th- X.U. opening "Art at the X" at the Cohen Art Gallery as well as Final Friday anniversary spectacular at PAC. It's going to be a busy month!

Preview Pendleton August 29th

2008-08-20T07:08:00.004-04:00

Final Friday at the Pendleton is right around the corner, Friday August 29th from 6-10. Plan to beat the heat and the back to school blues by coming down to the Pendleton Art Center for a night of fun, great art, and maybe, a glass of wine. Studios will be open as well as the 510 Gallery show called Encore! One of my paintings is in the Encore! show and our Studio 414 is brimming with new and exciting work. Allison has glass, ceramics and acrylics on display, and there are Nancy's ceramic tiles and Korki's text paintings to see. My display will showcase some new mixed media 12" by 12" canvases as well as some favorites from my collection. Our "group wall" promises an eclectic arrangement from all 4 of us with our latest work. Plan to get there early as the building is filled with treasures to view. See you then!

"Lunch Money" Collection

2008-08-05T10:10:00.003-04:00

Here are some new small pieces that will be on display at Pendleton 414 August 29th. (They range in size from 5"-10") Also, don't forget forget to check out the Encore! salute to music in the Gallery 510. Last chance to see this exhibit this Final Friday. It is the anniversary celebration of Pendleton this month and promises to be a big night. Mark your calendars now. Final Friday, August 29th-6-10 PM. Valet parking available.

Art at the X again!

2008-07-29T12:33:00.004-04:00

Just in, my mixed media piece "Grandmother's Teacups" is accepted to the Xavier University "Art at the X" national juried show! I am so psyched; the juror is Dr. Eric Lee of the Taft. 76 pieces were selected from 466 entries. Wow. My little piece of Nana's teacup collection stands out with it's really bold colors... I mean, really bold. I am glad Dr. Lee liked it. Last year's show was wonderful and led me to some wonderful people as well as reuniting with my Xavier connection. I am sure this year's show will be just as great. The opening is September 26th, which conflicts with Final Friday at Pendleton. The opening at XU art gallery is from 6-8. Guess I will head down to PAC after a quick look at the show.

Wow, September is going to be a very busy month! Be careful what you wish for, right?! Stay tuned for details of the October show I will have several pieces in curated by Daniel Brown at the Women' Art Club barn in Mariemont. My teacup series will be shown at this show. Looks like I had better get back to work as this one is now unavailable to show two places at once! Yeah!

Stills & Small Voices

2008-07-29T12:23:00.004-04:00

Stop by Encore! Design and Event Planning on September 5th to see a show of my work! It's the night of the Covington Gallery Hop which is held the First Friday of every month. The title of my show is, "Stills & Small Voices". (Get it, still life... small pieces....?) The show will be up until September 23rd .Hope you can attend Friday September 5th or stop by anytime.

This Friday you can see the work of Allison Sanders at Encore! and Nancy Hopkins will be at the Leapin Lizard.
The Encore! address is 2 W. Pike Street in Covington and the hours at 6-10 PM

Grand Opening Studio 414

2008-07-26T08:47:00.004-04:00

What a great start for Studio 414! The "Indigenous Women" did Diane proud last night at the PAC Final Friday! (and she and her entourage were there to witness) "This studio looks warm and inviting", according to the people who came to check it out. The crowd was small but enthusiastic. Nancy's graphics were certainly a hit with everyone. Allison's chandelier over the table really drew attention to the group wall as did Korki's bright painting quoting Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The crowds will be better and better, as will Studio 414! Come back for more on August 29th!

FINAL FRIDAY THIS WEEK

2008-07-22T12:29:00.003-04:00

Please check out STUDIO 414 if you plan to attend Final Friday this week. My partners have re-painted the space and we are having a "hanging party" tomorrow to get the work in place. It is looking good and promises to unveil lots of exciting new work. Allison has lots of new glass and tiles as well as paintings in acrylic. Nancy has some mixed media tiles in the 4th floor hall that you have to see as well as lots of new work in her old space. Korki is bringing in some of her paintings with text as well as some other paintings that have only been shown in Columbus. All of them have so much talent; I am thrilled to exhibit with them. I have mixed some familiar images with some new work combining oil and mixed media. We have planned a group wall that is chocolate brown where we will meld all four styles. As we saw on the Evite that Nancy designed, our work really compliments each other. Come see for yourself from 6-10 Friday night and 11-3 on Saturday. See you then.

Encore! Show at Gallery 510

2008-07-22T12:24:00.003-04:00

If you are coming to Final Friday this week, be sure to check out the 510 Gallery across the way to see the Encore! Show. It is a music-themed exhibit and promises to be special. One of my new Mixed Media pieces, "Color Me In" is in this exhibit...you'll have to see it to get the music connection. (Trust me, it isn't deep.)

STUDIO 414

2008-06-06T07:34:00.002-04:00

Ok, the shows are down and time to try something new. Beginning July 25th I will be participating in Pendleton Final Fridays in Studio 414. Along with my three partners: Allison Sanders, Nancy Hopkins, and Korki Bowen, we are re-vamping the space. Look for ceramics by Allison and Nancy. You can see their work at Indigenous. Korki and I will provide the paintings and 2-D mixed media pieces. It is a great opportunity to set up shop in this large space that has great windows and location. We should have plenty in place for the July Final Friday, and plan a grand re-opening event in August or September.

It has been a wonderful year for me. I have been pleased to show in some of the best juried shows in town. "Beauty Matters" provided great exposure for me not only with some great contacts but an opportunity to meet some of the impressive artists also in the show. The Pendleton Rising Sun show also gave me the opportunity to meet some great fellow artists and future neighbors in Pendleton on the third floor. I also really appreciated the award of merit from this show. Of course, I was honored to be chosen to exhibit at the Women's Art Club opening show in the new barn in Mariemont. I appreciated the chance to be part of this exhibit.

I am not exhibiting this year at Hyde Park...didn't apply. Last year's scorcher heat made me re-think showing in outdoor venues. (that and the fact that my display collapsed after the show!) With that in mind, I am more interested in pursuing Pendleton with energy and enthusiasm. We begin set up July 11 and that will keep all four of us busy for a while. Watch for new signage and fresh paint in 414! Hope to see you there.

Women's Art Club of Cincinnati annual show

2008-04-25T11:22:00.004-04:00

"Spring Fever," pictured above, is included in the annual show sponsored by the Women's Art Club of Cincinnati. The show opens May 4th with the opening scheduled for 1-4 . This show is the first to be held in their "new" home in Mariemont. The building is affectionately dubbed "the Barn" and is undergoing serious renovation. It is a spectacular building. Dates of the show are: May 8-11 and May 15-18 from 1-4 on those dates. 58 pieces were selected from a huge number of entries by jurors Arnelle Dow and Cole Carothers. I am humbled by my inclusion in such an important show. Come on you Mariemonters.... come and see this one! The address is: 6980 Cambridge in Mariemont. Walk on over after school on one of those Thursdays! Let me know what you think!

For the Birds!

2008-04-22T10:33:00.004-04:00

Friday, May 2nd is the annual fundraiser for The Cincinnati Nature Center. A silent auction will generate proceeds to fund many of the center's worthwhile programs. Two of my mixed media pieces and one print will be included in the auction. One of the mixed media pieces is entitled "Birds on a Wire-Ode to Charley". This piece follows this year's theme, "For the Birds!" Buy your tickets soon for this worthwhile and FUN event.

Judge's Merit Award

2008-04-05T08:33:00.002-04:00

It was a fun night in Rising Sun.Lots of people turned out to see the "Great Escapes" show. The downpour kept everyone in the Pendleton instead of roaming the streets and the riverbank. Maureen Bloomfield was there to present the awards and meet the artists. It is a long drive to Rising Sun, but worth it to see this exhibit. Many Pendleton Cincinnati artists were represented. I was pleased to be awarded a Judge's Merit award. "Get out!" was well received and looked really unique among the more traditional paintings. The food was the most imaginative spread to date at an opening we have attended. Vera Curnow did a wonderful job getting this show together. The show will be up until the end of May if you are in the area. Thanks to those who worked so hard on this exhibit.